A/N: Wow everyone. When it rains it flipping pours… like holy f*ck. But bottom-line is, I finally got the next chapter written. Only took like three months… Kinda wished it flowed better but, I'm a bit rusty and not in the mood to question it anymore lol. I'm hoping to have the next chapter out within the next couple weeks (or sooner) but, I don't want to make any promises. I haven't had much time to write so I will post when I can. Hate to leave you all with this cliff hanger… Anywho, enjoy!
Chapter 37: Atonement for Another's Sins
Foul air pulled through Kenobi's nostrils. The caustic stench torturous as he continued down the alleyway. Squeals of rats, trickles of water, and chronic coughs of miners that was what resided in the dredges of Raxus Prime. A system where only true outcasts dared to endure. He'd only visited the system once before during his time as a padawan. Never had he imagined returning. The odor, heat, and corruption made it a ghastly place to live. Though, it's not as if he had a choice. With the rebellion scattered, the remaining leaders unable to ally themselves – all he could do was remain invisible to the Empire. Dwelling in a place that would be on the very bottom of places to live, he supposed it was the best option. Holding his saber close, Kenobi dipped into the familiar inn. Heading up the stairs towards his room, he didn't glance in anyone's direction. Although, he could feel multiple sets of orbs: inebriated or dead-eyed, they followed his movements. Snaking his way into the shoebox sized flat, he swiftly locked the door behind him. Tossing his robe onto the small bed he sat at the edge, flipping on the holoscreen.
With an aggravated sigh, he rested back against the lumpy mattress before checking the chrono. He had to return to the repair shop before nine to be in time for the transmission, giving him only a few hours of rest. Part of him wanted to believe that he could find common ground with Commander Hood. However, another part of him knew that forgiveness would not be an easy route. Against the General's wishes, Elaskon and Hood orchestrated the failed assassination attempt on Senator Amidala. If Vader wasn't hell bent on hunting them down before, he was now. It took weeks to toss the tracers he sent after them. Even now, Kenobi knew his time on this particular planet was fleeting – even if he'd only just arrived. Imperial activity in the system was increasing. Unfortunately for him, he didn't know whether it was only in the sector or the rest of the occupied regions as well. All Kenobi knew was that Padmé had survived while Vader massacred all the soldiers he had detained. From what he was told, not a single rebel remained alive once Vader extracted what he desired.
The Jedi's ears perked as he heard a familiar name, the tabloids raging about the emperor's successor. Without even a second thought, he moved to switch off the screen as the moving pictures depicted Vader and the former senator. They were on the streets of Naboo – plain clothes. However, Kenobi froze… recognizing something about their closeness, the woman's frustration evident. Shock stumped him, Vader's expression - his weak smile, his apologetic eyes they depicted real emotion. The Sith's appearance was nothing compared to what he'd seen. It was as if what he'd seen and what was captured depicted two different people. Squinting, Kenobi narrowed his attention on the man's eyes… there was something buried beneath the gold. A natural and true eye color. Azure.
A sharp strike of pain shot through Kenobi's skull. Clutching his forehead, he reeled staring blankly at the screen – the nostalgic forlorn feeling unsettling as he flipped off the holo. What was that? He thought to himself, suddenly finding the lines on his hands interesting. With his jaw tense, the Jedi buried his face within his palms. Was there something he was supposed to remember? Why is he familiar?
His stomach growled, the irritating sensation and noise forcing him to think about food. He had very few ration wafers remaining. He'd have to venture to the cantina below to get more eventually. Tearing himself off the bed he went into the cabinet beside the tiny sink. Gathering the second to last bar to chew on it sparingly. Yet it only took a few minutes, and half the bar was gone as he slumped back on the bed, eyes heavy. Setting an alarm, he ushered himself to rest. Yet, he found no solace awake nor asleep.
Kenobi rose in white mist, his eyes struggling to focus as the powerful rays of two suns bore into his eyes. Once they finally focused, he was jolted by a hand against his shoulder – shoving him lightly, gesturing him to move along. "This is a mistake master," Obi-wan could hear himself warn. Shocked, he couldn't understand why the words had left his mouth until his gaze fell upon his former master as he rounded him. 'Qui-gon?' his mind stuttered, disbelief encompassing his psyche while his expression remained oddly composed. Kenobi knew he was in his own body, but it wouldn't listen to him as he carried on without wavier – following his master without question. Even if he couldn't control his own movements, he could still feel the planet's scorching suns. Beating down on him as if placed in a broiler. There was a grainy sensation of sweat and sand caked against him in his robes and hair. Familiarity rushed into him all at once as a familiar city in the distance came into view, Mos Espa. They were on Tatooine. That's when he felt his lips move, "The boy is too old. The Jedi counsel will never agree to this…"
"He can be properly trained," his master assured him, a gentle smile cloaking his visage. Hope was beaming in his eyes until he turned away, trekking swiftly towards the city. "The only reason you believe he cannot, is because of the way Master Yoda and the council has decided to interpret ancient texts. Their own apprehension blinds their decisions."
Kenobi frowned, perplexed as he jogged closer. "There is too much uncertainty and fear in him. Even I can sense it."
"Have you never been afraid, Obi-wan?" Qui-Gon wondered turning towards him, standing in the hot sand – his curious blue eyes becoming analyzing. The young padawan felt himself reel slightly, contemplating the emotion. He'd been in hazardous situations… but he never believed he'd felt such a thing. Perhaps nervous… "You are uncertain," Qui-Gon affirmed as he shifted his arms within his sleeves. "Fear is a natural emotion. It is but an instinct of our own sentiency. It is a natural intuition that the counsel has chosen to disregard and even designate it as taboo. There is nothing wrong with being afraid. It is how one chooses to handle such a feeling - that is what truly matters. What the council does not seem to take into consideration is that when we numb ourselves to these natural feelings, we isolate ourselves. In return, we become blind to the feelings around us and everything outside of those philosophies becomes clouded."
Kenobi's brows kitted contemplating his master's declaration. Eyes analyzing the species around him, emotions were rampant among each bystander. Different thoughts crossing each of their minds. "When a being becomes fearful is because they are set to lose something. Do you believe that attachment, the attachment to what one fears to lose, is not dangerous?"
"I never said that it couldn't be. I said that it is natural to form such emotions. I only wish for you to understand that I disagree with the council's decision to ostracize and even condemn those who develop such feelings. Their lack of compassion is a great risk that they refuse to acknowledge. Skywalker has the potential to become a great Jedi. Yet, the belief that he has already been corrupted by natural emotions – diminishes and even threatens that potential. The galaxy is not black and white, Obi-wan. If you allow yourself to view it fully… It is quite colorful and dynamic. Never believe that the future which has been shown to you is certain."
Obi-wan snapped awake, the blaring alarm by his bedside startling him as he bolted upright. Sweat had engulfed him, his skin dripping as he awoke panting. His head was pounding, heart racing as his eyes flashed to the chrono. Rubbing a hand down his face, his mind was drawn to his master's words – words that he could not recall him ever saying… Although, they felt real. Too real to only be a dream. Raking nails against his beard, he tried to recall the foreign name his master had revealed. One that when his thoughts brushed across it, familiarity stirred. Skywalker.
Birds. Harmonious chirps arouse her from slumber as she rolled over in silk sheets. Padmé's head was humming in the slightest bit of discomfort, the essence of a hangover lingering as she lugged herself awake. Bare, only donned in the soft silk, her frizzy hair fell to her shoulders as she gazed around. The tension around her neck alleviated as she stared out beyond the marble balcony – eyes catching the marvelous sight of the mountain range in the distance. After combing her manicured nails through her disheveled hair, Padmé wrapped her arms around her knees. Resting her chin, she sat there… listening to the peaceful sounds that could have lulled her back to sleep. Minutes dragged on until she felt the mattress dip beside her, a cool metal hand slipping against the sensitive skin of her back. Bumps rose as did her anticipation as lips molded against the supple space beneath her ear.
"Good morning," Padmé sighed, turning towards Vader kissing him gently as he crawled further onto the bed. Twining her fingers within in tendrils of his lustrous locks, the slight pain in her skull drifted away leaving her only focus on the Sith's hands as they made their way under the sheets.
"Breakfast will be waiting downstairs," he hummed indolently against her lips, his attention shifting down her jaw towards her collarbone. She was like putty in Vader's hands as he pressed her back into the pillows. His touch muddled her mind, intoxicated her senses as she pulled him closer. With him she never felt lost. Never felt alone. She always knew he would be there for her. Even if the future was uncertain, part of her had faith in him. Even if it was misplaced, she willingly gave it to him. With an uncharacteristically rough movement she crushed her lips against his, swiftly silencing her thoughts while Vader shifted his gentle approach – abrading his touch.
It was a blur when he flipped her over, faceplanting into the pillows his metal hand gathered a fist full of her hair. While the other tortured her, stimulating her sensitive numb. The juxtaposition of pleasure and pain roused a yelp to escape her lungs. In the clutches of a wild animal, her body was completely at his will when he dragged her head up. She was his to possess. His to ruin. Tears spilled over at the corners of her eyes while plump lips and teeth devoured the space beneath her ear. Heated muscle dwarfed her small body as she felt Vader's throbbing member dig against her rear. Within a moment, he stuffed himself to the hilt – phallus plunging into her arousal. Her strained sob echoing the room.
An hour later, Padmé was panting atop the mattress. Whining, whimpering, and overstimulated - she'd been sated too many times. When Vader finally came, she could feel her arms give out. Even with the startled yelp, he caught her roughly with a loud groan. His teeth caught her shoulder as he rammed hard from behind – his arm the only barrier between her and the headboard. Padmé could have sworn she'd passed out a moment. It wasn't until she felt fluids seeping and the loss of engorgement that called her thoughts back to reality. She was left in a heap on the bed as Vader hoisted himself away.
A slight beeping from the nightstand catching her attention. A frown tugged as she lugged her head up watching as he answered the commlink. As Padmé observed, she sulked. The way he moved was routine. Between the way he slipped on his trousers and shifted his tunic it was oddly impersonal as he left towards the fresher. Shifting uncomfortably, the young woman could feel how soaked the bed had become – her body feeling no better as she moved towards the edge. Padmé tried to shake off the feeling but, she couldn't help the tinge of shame that seeped into her chest as she stood on wobbly legs.
Tottering towards the closet, her mind was tempestuous as she reached for her robe. Wincing from the pain in her shoulder she struggled to not let her mind delve too deep into Vader's demeanor as he remained absorbed with whoever resided on the other end of the transmission. She waddled into the fresher and flipped on the bath. Her hope was that the warm water would ease her muscles and mind. Everything hurt. Even after all this time with him. When he was rough, it did a number on her. Sitting on the brim of the white marble tub, her ears clung to the sound of a familiar sector, Doldur. Passing her hand through the water idly, she was surprised to hear Vader had not called his armada back but to an Outer Rim sector, Tion Hegemony. The former Senator pouted, tossing a bath bomb into the steaming water. Watching the buzzing suds, she internally scrolled through the list of planets in that region. That section of the galaxy was highly industrialized. Leaving the planets that were once ripe for manufacturing and trade, barren. Many were borderline uninhabitable. Nothing more than junk planets.
As violet and cobalt swirled within the watery canvas, she left the fresher to snag her commlink and comfy garments. It was obvious she was spending the day at the house. The queasiness and mind fog from her hangover and their lovemaking too debilitating. When she sauntered back inside, she didn't notice Vader's studying eyes fall upon her. Dimming the lights, Padmé rid herself of the robe before sinking into the tub. Her eyes rolled as she scrolled through her messages. They consisted of former classmates, old political acquaintances and when her attention fell upon her sister's name, her stomach churned. How can Sola want to go out for drinks again? Her mind and body alike cringed, not wanting to even think of the idea.
It was unlike her to 'party.' Hell, the closest thing Padmé ever had to a night out at a club was perhaps a name-day celebration or two. She'd never experienced such a hectic, muddled evening before.
Bass hammered through her ears. The scent of perfume and cologne swirled her senses as Sola whisked her through the crowd. Even in the private section, the floor was packed with aristocrats. Their own vices had taken control in form of alcohol, spice, and substances she'd never encountered. Even her mind was a bit groggy. After the multiple flutes of champaign throughout the day and whatever liquor her sister had her drink, she knew her tolerance was fleeting. After all the dancing, Padmé was relieved that she'd decided to change her attire before heading back out. She'd nixed the heels for a pair of reasonable black ones and switched to a navy minidress.
When they finally broke through the sea of socialites, her eyes locked upon their table. Her heart scampered at the sight of Vader. His eyes were dark and with a wicked smirk his arm draped across the back of the booth. A deathstick was perched in his flesh hand. If it were any other person, she would have thought him a mob boss. He was surrounded by his loyal inquisitors. Each one of them having no issue finding companions of their own for the night. When she thought too closely on the subject, the truth was that he was more powerful than any gangster could dream of becoming. Every atrocity he committed were sanctioned under the authority of the Empire. Aside from that, Vader also commanded the most powerful military might in the galaxy. Sometimes she needed to remind herself of that.
"I'm going to go get us a few more drinks!" Sola hollered in her ear over the music. Before Padmé could even begin to protest, the woman was gone – waving back through the crowd. With a small sigh, Padmé waltz towards the booth to slip around the table and take her place by Vader's side. Inching closer she tried not to delve too deep into what she saw beyond him. If she paid too much attention on the bottle-blond planted on Eryx's lap, it would make her nauseated.
"You are so beautiful," Vader's husky voice hummed in her ear. A sinful trickle washed down her spine, his tenor having a profound affect in her current state. The aromas that clouded him were of expensive cologne, liquor, and smoke and it only added to her coyness.
Her cheeks heated as she leaned against him, "You don't look so bad yourself," she supposed, tugging at one of the buttons on his fitted oynx silky shirt.
It wasn't a lie, he was alluring. The way his tan skin and shoulder length sandy hair contrasted with his dark attire. The way the fabric clung to his muscles enchanted her. However, a small voice in the back of her mind added something else, how 'dangerous' he appeared. From the corner of her eye, she watched as Vader snuffed his deathstick before his hand found its way atop her thigh. Goosebumps formed across her skin as his fingers massaged her gently, his hand inching its way beneath her tight dress. Shuffling back in the seat, her hand caught his. Trying to overlook his displeased expression she attempted to start a conversation.
She had to keep some decorum, something opposite to what was happening on the other side of the rounded booth. As her eyes flashed to the emerald-eyed soldier, her disgust bubbled – the two of them should really had just grabbed a room if they were planning on sucking the other's face off… "Pretty sure my sister is trying to kill me," Padmé dryly laughed in a slur. Her attention swiftly returned to her husband. "I didn't really know that she partied like this often."
The Sith's head notched as he clicked his tongue, "she just wants you to loosen up a bit," he reasoned as his rough hands wrenched her thighs closer – hoisting her legs up and onto his lap.
"Vader…" She whispered, her hand pressing against his chest as she tempted to tug away, "This is my home world… not some backwater planet in the outer rim." The Sith reeled back a moment, his eyebrows pinching together as he stared down at her.
"I'm not saying you should completely lose your wits; she doesn't know that you can actually relax. On Vandor you were able to-"
"No one knew us there," she harshly reasoned, "T-That was a completely different situation. I know every person in this room Vader. Each one holds me in high regard, and I am not trying to tarnish that tonight. On top of which," she huffed tugging her legs off his lap, "You should be thinking about that as well. Partying is one thing, but losing your sense of propriety is another. Same goes to the people that you surround yourself with."
"No one here would dare break your confidence. It is clear as day within their minds."
"It doesn't matter. I won't make a fool of myself," she bit back, brushing down her dress. "What happened on Vandor and what we've done in private cannot be allowed to seep into our public life. Also tell your men to get a room. It's indecent," Padmé scoffed as she shot up from her seat to find her sister.
"Padmé," she could hear Vader call after her. Even though Padmé heard him rise from his seat, she kept going. Apologizing to Njord as she bumped into his knee while she left towards the bar. When she finally caught sight of her sister, a twist of dejection froze her in place. A frown tugged at her expression witnessing Sola conversing with an auburn-haired man – completely taken by him. Running low on options, Padmé escaped towards the balcony suddenly finding the club suffocating. She trekked past the guards and onto the terrace where the brisk Naboolian air whipped against her skin sharply. Gods, its cold, her thoughts whined as she approached the balustrade.
Shivering, her breath condensed in the air as she stared towards the moon and stars. Padmé wanted to be like the others. Allow herself a night off from the proper persona that she'd constructed. But she couldn't. It was ingrained in every part of how she thought and lived. It wasn't until she met Vader where she learned of her own more uncouth desires. He bestowed her with experiences and pleasure that she would have never known were missing… Even if she enjoyed all of it behind closed doors, she couldn't bring herself to shatter what she'd spent years to build. Staring at her knuckles, she thought of their time on Vandor. How truly freeing it was to be someone she wasn't. When she heard the door gently slide open and shut, a sigh escaped her lips.
"I never meant to challenge your modesty, Padmé," she heard Vader's voice announce. "I would never… show them even a fraction of what we do alone. I apologize for my behavior. It was not my intention to make you feel uncomfortable." Padmé finally turned towards him at that as he stood at the entrance, allowing her space even though she could feel he wanted to be closer.
"Forgiven," she lightly smiled. "I'm not my sister," Padmé explained, "I can't do what she does. I mean we are in such a public place-"
"You don't need to explain yourself to me," he assured her, "I got carried away. It was not your fault."
Biting her lip, Padmé rested back against the rail with a slight smile as she gazed at him. "We are alone now, aren't we?" She wondered, leaning back – the pristine skin of her neck on full display. She could see his eyes drink in the sight as they darkened.
"You're fascinating, Angel," he intoned as he approached. His hands reached out, caging her against stone.
"I'm never averse when we are alone," she sultry mused, reaching up to fix his collar. Within one swift movement, he had her ass delicately planted on the balustrade – his eyes scaling her hungrily while his hands sprawled around her waist.
"Fucking hell, I need to get you home," he moaned, his eyes leering as his mouth went to attack the skin of her neck.
"Even you're scared," she uttered hotly, her nails raking against the hairs against the base of his head – pressing him against her skin. With a growl, she felt him bite down hard – not enough to break the skin but, enough to incite a yelp as he tugged her close.
"The doors are locked, milady," he droned, his teeth against her skin. Her eyes widened as his hands snaked up her dress, pulling down her flimsy stockings and lace panties. Within half a second, two metal fingers plunged into her suddenly, knocking the air from her lungs as she clung against him. When his thumb brushed against her sensitive nub she shuttered, her entire body pleading as he tormented every cell.
"Vader-" she attempted to plea.
"You did this to yourself," he glowered, his fingers coaxing her roughly. Gathering her bearings, she tried to contain her moans. Yet she couldn't. Her teeth clamped against her bottom lip harshly. It was insane how she could sense herself unraveling her entire body tensing as he played her perfectly. Within minutes a cry tumbled from her lips, the stars above becoming blurred as she came.
Panting, nothing could relent the grip she had on him – every muscle had seized. He'd complete control over her like no one else had. Once her mind came limping back, only a few words left her lips. "We should take this party home."
Stumbling through the front door of their new home, Padmé heard a gasp from behind. "Holy shit sis, what the hell?" She laughed with a squeak as she tossed her purse onto one of the various sofas.
"Glad you like it," Padmé giggled as she clutched Vader's cloak while removing her heels. A firm hand collapsed around her waist, steadying her as she tossed the annoying articles to the side. Witnessing more speeders fly into the drive, Padmé glanced to her husband with pleading eyes. With one notch of his head, the group of stormtoopers awaiting greeted the guests arriving. The heiress couldn't stare as they searched and questioned each one, her attention was too focused on the house. Threepio had fashioned the home brilliantly, the liquor cabinet stocked, and water pitchers were present in each room.
Within a half an hour, the house was teeming with guests. The entire sunroom and patio full of life and music. By that time, Padmé's reservations were gone. It was a relief for her to know that close friends and acquaintances had been invited. Only her most trusted present. Plopping down on the sunbed beside her sister, she snuggled up to her.
"You are not the person I imagined you to be Padmé," her sister sighed as she stared at the stars. "And I don't mean that in a bad way, I'm happy for you… I was worried about all of this but… Lord Vader seems to understand the boundaries. Truly, I'm happy you found someone who could show you there's more to life than politics," she sighed, pecking her forehead.
"What did you take," Padmé drawled, throwing her arm over her eyes.
"An empathogen, but what does it matter? Even you know it's true," she huffed back, tugging her closer.
"There's still a lot you don't know about him," the younger sister frowned.
"I don't know what it is… but, I feel like he means good," she shrugged, "I mean after all he's done he still doesn't seem like he's a bad person. Which for me, is a relief. The rumors about him are quite terrifying."
With a sigh, Padmé lugged down her arm to stare at the stars. Her mind tumbling over her sister's analysis. The former queen wanted to believe Sola's words. Yet, she knew more. Understood what his inquisitors knew, and she knew what had happened to Mon. Her heart plummeted; her mind drawn towards the loss of all her close friends. They all believed in the cause. Gave the ultimate price. What had she given? Sometimes it felt as though she'd given nothing. But as her mind thought about it further – she'd given up many things. Her own thoughts. Will. Everything she believed in had been stolen and now she was living for the opposite cause that she believed in. Shooting upwards, her stomach twisted.
"What's the matter?" Sola wondered, joining her at eye-level as they surveyed the guests.
"I feel as though everything I stand for now, is wrong," Padmé replied honestly, her words leaving as a murmur. "I shouldn't be here. I shouldn't be condoning any of this."
"Padmé, you need to stop blaming yourself for how the galaxy has become," the older woman whispered.
"I don't-" she tried to argue, but her sister cut her off swiftly.
"You don't need to lie to me or yourself about it. I know you blame yourself for what happened with Palpatine. You've probably laid awake countless nights contemplating what you could have done differently. The truth is… there was nothing you could have done. You trusted him and he completely abused that trust. There's nothing you could have done. He'd already exploited the divisive behavior within the old republic by the time you entered office."
"But he used me to get there."
"Let's not talk about this right now," Sola frowned, her eyes flashing towards Vader. "I just wanted you to know that it's not your fault. I know you blame yourself but there were many other people much closer to him who should have seen what he truly was…"
A pair of eyes falling upon her dragged her mind away from what transpired the night before. Padmé sighed, setting down her commlink. Resting back, she shut her eyes – attempting to ignore them. "What did I do?" Vader wondered, voice lighthearted. She could hear the soft patter of his feet as he ventured forward. When he kneeled beside the bath, folding his arms against the marble and resting his head upon them. She couldn't ignore him when he began fiddling with her curls.
"Nothing," she muttered with a small sigh. She seeped lower until her nose was just above the water. A small groan left him as he plopped down cross-legged beside the tub.
Tousled locks tumbled as his head tilted, "Padmé…"
The woman shook her head, sitting up and curling her arms around her knees. "What's in the Tion Hegemony Sector?" She asked, her chocolate gaze scrutinizing.
"Trash," he shrugged as a slight smirk formed across his visage. However, there was something in his eyes… he truly found what he'd just said amusing. As if there was an inside joke which she was ignorant to. With an eyeroll, she leaned back once again – shutting her eyes.
"If you don't want to tell me, fine. Please leave so I can relax a bit," she muttered, her headache humming as her annoyance grew.
"C'mon Angel, I can't join you?" Feeling the tips of his metal fingers brush against her thigh, she shimmed away from the frigid sensation.
"I need some alone time," she frowned, hoping he'd take the hint that she truly needed personal space. She'd been overwhelmed the past few days… Between her family, the guests at the celebration, former classmates at the afterparty, the inquisitors and the drama they carried, as well as Vader himself. Even though she had left one name off that mental list, she refused to think about him. Bottomline, she was done socializing for at least another twenty minutes. Padmé half expected him to argue but, all he did was give her a small smile – pecking her on the forehead, leaving her to bathe.
Over an hour later, Padmé emerged from the fresher donned in a white oversized turtleneck sweater and a pair of thin grey sleep pants. Winding her hair into a soft towel, she waltzed out of the room and downstairs. Hearing amused voices, she was speechless to see Vader speaking with 3PO while shoveling down a tasty looking berry stuffed crêpe. It was the most food she'd ever seen in front of him. Bacon, eggs, sausage, fruit, and a bottle of champagne with juice was atop the breakfast bar. There was a youthful smile on the Sith's face as he continued to laugh, it was so carefree and warm that Padmé felt her feet trudge to a halt. She didn't dare move any closer, too afraid to be the reason for that sincerity to disappear.
"Good morning, Lady Padmé!" 3PO announced startling her, a genuine smile crossed her features as she ventured closer to the breakfast bar. Moons, even 3PO had a pep in his step. Settling in front of her plate, she peered at Vader as 3PO filled the saucer with food. "I hope your bath was soothing. Dormé stocked it with your favorite products, I do hope you found everything okay."
"Yes, Threepio, thank you," Padmé nodded. "What's the plan today?" Padmé inquired with shy smile as 3PO fill her plate. She couldn't understand why she was blushing, but she was – her cheek a hint more pink than usual as she gathered her fork to take a bite.
"Anything you want," Vader shrugged before finishing off the rest of his crêpe. For only a moment, Padmé allowed herself to gawk at him before quickly shifting back to a laissez-faire manner. It took every piece of her determination to shove away her pleasant astonishment.
"Then let's stay here for the day," she flushed, poking her food. "I think I've only really explored the bedroom." A boyish smile crossed Vader's features as his eyes flashed to 3PO as if knowing the droid may intervene.
"I would be more than happy to give you a tour, Lady Padmé," 3PO promptly announced while he straightened his posture. "It has been quite exciting refurnishing the home to your liking and exploring this structure. The architecture is quite impressive considering it was all crafted from the same piece of stone. I will correct myself; it is actually very impressive."
"So, you know the history behind when and how this place was built?" Padmé wondered, her head tilting.
Hearing an exasperated sigh to her right, her attention whipped to Vader, "Now you've done it…"
For the next fifteen minutes, 3PO lectured them about the home's history as well as its connection and importance to Theed. Some of the stories Padmé had heard. The home was initially a cave – a shelter for some of the first refugees that settled after fleeing from Grizmallt during the later years of the Civil War. Padmé had known that the previous owners were direct decendants from Queen Tasia and viewed those without the ancient bloodline, inferior. Never did they believe there should be a Queen of Naboo that didn't share her blood. It was one of the main reasons why they campaigned against Padmé's appointment as Queen. Even after she was elected, they always denied her request to speak with them even though they were one of the most influential families on the planet.
Dragging her mind away from the heavy thoughts, there was one significant feature that she hadn't heard before. "So, you're saying that there's a stairwell that leads all the way down to the base of the waterfall?"
Threepio nodded his head, "When first provided with the structure schematics, I located every entrance. The one I found most interesting was one generated many centuries after the initial structure was built. I had to send a fellow scout droid down the staircase to discover how far the passage went. It's a hundred and seventy-two stories. When I cross referenced who owned this home and Theed's history, I can see why the owners had instructed its formation."
"Why?" Padmé wondered, perplexed.
"Many luxuries that are enjoyed today were prohibited during the era," the golden droid continued.
"Basically, it was used for smuggling… how typical," she laughed, beaming as she shook her head.
"Precisely," 3PO nodded. "The entrance is perfectly situated in a nook carved by the Shijno waterfall. If you decide to venture down there, I believe you'd find the space quite beautiful."
Padmé's devious eyes flashed to Vader, "Wanna go check it out?"
"You seriously want to trek down over two-hundred flights of stairs?" Vader snorted taking a sip of his caf. "And I'm not even mentioning the hike back up."
"Can't you just fly us down there?" Padmé gaped.
He tsked, shaking his head, "You know for someone who's a local and was queen of this planet, I'm surprised that you've forgotten that the airspace around the falls is restricted. Has been for centuries. There was a reason that they put that alcove at the base of the falls. Whoever dropped off the shit no doubt came by water."
"Okay, mister wise guy, tell me how someone could possibly do that if one of the largest falls in Theed guards the entrance? There's a plunge pool at the bottom, no one could possibly make it past that undercurrent."
"There is a path," 3PO spoke up, "one that ends just beyond the Rjro falls cluster. They must have walked the remaining way. Both of you are correct."
Effortlessly, Vader plucked her off the barstool and onto his lap. "Maybe I can sneak us down there." The woman's head spun to view his golden orbs.
"You aren't seriously considering flying us into restricted airspace," she huffed, folding her arms across her chest. Vader's cheeks flushed a light pink as he shook his head, a boyish smile forming as he found her gaze.
"I mean I could… But no Angel, I'm not that lazy," he mused, brushing a stray hair from her face. "We can go tonight, make it interesting," the smirk that formed across his features sent her cheeks flush.
"You're on," she muttered, tipping her chin as she took sip of caf.
"There are other stories that I found regarding the passage," Threepio quickly interjected, "I just wanted you aware before you ventured down there."
"What?" The young woman wondered; brows knitted.
"This home has only exchanged hands five times over the three thousand years that it has stood. You both becoming its fifth owners. Even though I could not find indisputable evidence of these event occurring, the individuals involved did exist though disappeared from all record." Padmé's fork fell limp in her hand as she stared at Threepio, her skin suddenly becoming cold. "There were rumors regarding the third owners. Nearly eight centuries ago, shortly after the stairwell and culvert were created, it was said three of their servants perished. One had slipped into the pool beneath the base of the waterfall while he was transferring items. The second collapsed halfway up the stairwell from exhaustion. While the third, she was said to be drown in the pool at the base of the falls by one of the estate owners – lover's quarrel I presume." There were a few moments of silence, the only sound she could hear was that of Vader chomping away at his meal. Goosebumps had rose along the skin of her ankles while her chocolate eyes remained wide.
"Stop trying to scare her, Threepio," the Sith chuckled, reaching around her to grab his juice. "Considering this is such an old property, I'm surprised there isn't more that happened here."
"I conversed with the prior protocol droids before their departure. It is said that the radiofrequencies fluctuate at the base of the falls. Sometimes they are severed completely. Due be careful when traveling down there, there is a possibility your commlinks may be rendered inoperable," the golden machine nodded, waddling towards the fridge.
Vader hummed as he finished his food. "Pretty sure that the scariest thing that has ever set foot in his house is me," he snickered setting down his fork.
Padmé wacked him on the shoulder, "Yeah well you try to convince me this place isn't haunted. The couple who previously owned this home, both of their children died prematurely!"
"From genetic complications," Vader specified, "One of the many downsides of inbreeding," the young lord muttered back, distaste evident in his tone.
"What?" Padmé gasped appalled. "It's illegal to knowingly due such a thing on Naboo-"
"They wanted to keep their bloodline 'pure.' I suppose it was at the expensive of their lineage. Even if this place was haunted and there were ghosts, they would be too afraid to show themselves around me," there was assurance and seriousness in the Sith's voice. "Anything can be reached through the power of the Force."
"I'm not saying there are ghosts," Padmé pouted, until her head tilted, recounting what he'd just said. "Wait… there's such thing as ghosts?" She whispered. "I mean people who aren't Force sensitive can still interact with the physical world?"
"When a large part of someone's signature lingers in one place after their physical body dies the density causes the remaining presence to become active. Those of us who still have a physical body can interpret this activity through their generation of anomalies. Such as the radiofrequency interruptions Threepio suggested. Also, I've done some research about what you shared to me aboard the Executor. The ability for a Force sensitive individual to remain constant even when the physical form is gone. Unlike normal ghosts, from what I've read, individuals who are able to become one with the Force can move all their presence to wherever they are needed. However, it is the will of the Force that dictates where they are necessary."
A frown tugged at Padmé's lips as she stared at her toes, "So you did listen to me during that conversation. Thought I'd lost you on that one," she muttered with a dry laugh.
"I'm not as parochial as you still believe," he shrugged, his thumb brushing against her jaw.
"We've had this conversation," Padmé breathed, tugging herself up and off his lap. Turning on her heel she faced him, "You're different, you admitting that is…" Glancing away from him, a frown pulled on her features, "I don't understand you."
"You said it yourself in not so many words… If you close your mind to information, you become ill-informed. To be strong and wise is to know your enemy. One of the reasons why the Jedi failed was because they refused to acknowledge and understand the Dark side of the Force. The galaxy is not good nor evil, it is a combination of the two, a balance."
"You exploit the darkness," she argued, "You must not believe in the balance of light and dark-"
Her heart wobbled as he responded, "imbalance generates power. Harnessing the darkness brings me power. Have I not made it clear? I am no Saint." The candid nature of his voice made the thoughts racing through her mind freeze.
The woman flinched when a rod of metal flew past her ear, Vader had called his lightsaber and as the blade ignited, she stumbled back into the wall. Her eyes widened as she stared at the blade, there was something different about it – the crimson hue was a deeper cardinal red than anything she'd seen. Obi-wan had once said that the Sith bleed their kyber crystals – even merely looking at it, the crystal imbedded within the hilt seemed vastly different.
"What you may not know is that the majority of kyber crystals tend to be loyal to the Light side of the Force," Vader informed her – Padmé's breath caught as the blade pulsed, almost reacting to the Sith's assertion. "This crystal came to me, betrayed its former master to become mine." Its spirit wasn't broken. It chose Vader andthe Dark side of the Force.
"I-It's previous owner was a Jedi…" Padmé whispered. The blades color seeped into a deep burgundy, almost black. With twisted pride, Vader studied his saber – the warm honey sheen of his eyes sunk turbulent with a molten hue. The woman locked against the wall, paralyzed.
"It sought me…" Vader hummed, deactivating the blade. The woman could feel her breath began, once again – relief flooding her. That blade scared her… as she stared at its ornate hilt, she found it hard to believe it sheltered such a formidable stone. Padmé looked to Vader once again, his gaze already fixed upon her small figure. She dared to let her thoughts linger to a possibility, the Sith's physical traits sheltered his true nature… Just like the hilt of his saber, it concealed the ghastly bloody glow of the crystal. The insistent beeping from a commlink captured both of their attentions. The small device buzzed against the counter and on command Vader approached it.
"Vader," he answered the transmission, his low voice cascading through the stone chamber. Padmé recognized whom was on the other end, the Inquisitor's voice clear to her ears. With flushed cheeks, she adverted her attention. Maneuvering over towards the counter she began slowing picking up the dishes. Her appetite was gone. Stomach still twisting with unease. However, Vader caught her hand – shaking his head as he continued his conversation. Witnessing maintenance droids roll into the kitchen, she frowned watching them collect the uneaten food. Heart sinking, she could only watch as they disposed of what was remaining. The amount could have fed another four people at least.
With that she left the kitchen, retreating to the first-floor courtyard. With one deep breath of fresh air, her body was swiftly rejuvenated – mind only trying to be content. Millaflowers and various native species encompassed the tranquil space as the stream flowed beneath the surface – the horizon leading with the blustering falls. Suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped around her waist, a pair of lips pressing firmly against her neck. An inhale against her skin sent pleasuring shivers down her spine as serenity flooded her body.
"I hate how you can do that," she sighed quietly, knowing the calmness of her thoughts was only fabricated. With the stillness, her thoughts wondered towards the possibilities for them. The place before her now would be where they'd return home… Her stomach twisted at the idea of starting a family. She could imagine bringing them into a sheltered world. Naboo. A completely isolated system from the hardships that others faced. Though, she wanted her children to understand more than their home world. She wanted them to know what the entire galaxy had to offer.
"Things will be different, Padmé," Vader whispered, his nose nudging the skin beneath her chin. "This can be our life," Vader intoned, his assurance emanating truth. "Nothing can stop what we will create."
"Still… even after all this time. You do not understand. I will never want this," Padmé whispered, voice echoing as the falls carried her declaration away. "You keep saying 'we' but that's not the truth, is it?"
"You want the galaxy to prosper," Vader cooed, "You want equality, justice. I can bring that."
"What do you actually know of those beliefs, Vader? How could you possibly understand? If you truly knew, you would never wish for imperial rule," her words were sharp, her vindictive tongue slicing through each word. "What Palpatine doesn't even understand is he himself is a slave. A slave to his own lust for power. The hate and greed that built this regime will never allow anyone who rules it to overcome that servitude."
The familiar sound of Vader's commlink snatched both of them from conversation. Padmé's annoyance grew as he released her to answer, moving away until she was out of earshot. However, the feeling suddenly faded as Vader's calm expression shifted. Apprehension taking hold as he ended the transmission."I will be back within the next hour," he announced. It had been weeks since she'd heard that voice. The numb, lifeless tone that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand.
"V-Vader?" Padmé called after him, he caught her swiftly – clutching her hands keeping them away.
"Wait for me," he ordered and within a fraction of a second, he'd dropped her hands. Not giving her time to even say 'goodbye' as he made his leave. When he disappeared from sight, her glassy chocolate eyes stared blankly as she slumped onto the sunbed.